Tuyere stoppers



(No Mgdell.)

H. W. OLIVER, Jr.. y

DEVICE FOR OPERATING TUYERE STOPPERS.

No. 299,572. Patented June 3, 1884.

, NA PEYEns. Pmvmograplm. wnnington, D c

UNirnn HENRY WV. OLIVEItiJIt., OF PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.

DEViCE FOR PRATENG TUYERE-STOPPERS.

SPECIFICATION forminig part of Letters Patent No. 299,572, dated June 3, 1884-.

Application filed January 23, i884. (No model.)

through. These converters are usually of small size, so as to have a comparatively small quantity of metal above the tuyeres, and are used with a comparatively low pressure blast.

The object of my invention is to obtain a simple, inexpensive, and efficient means for seating and unseating the stoppers, plugs, or valves simultaneously.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention, I will now describe it by reference to the aceompanyingr dawings,in which- J Figure 1 is a view of a converifter provided with my improvement, partly ins'eetion` Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of one of the tuyeres, showing a modiiicationi Like letters of reference indicate like parts in each.

The converter a is of the usual construct-ion, being provided with a blast-main, b, blast pipes c, charging-hole d, metal-tap hole c, and cinder-tap hole f. 'The Stoppers 7L are each provided with an external air4 chamber or tube, z', to which the blast-pipes c are connected, and with a stopper, 7s, which is operated by means of a stem, 7.a. Beyond the stuf` fing-box i is an annular electro-magnet, Z, through the bore of which the stem 7s extends.

The outer end is provided with a suitable armature, Z. The wires p n of the magnet are connected to the main wires p and a, which extend from a primary battery, dynamo-electric machine, or other suitable source or generator of electricity, m. Each tuyere is provided with a similar magnet having similar A connections; or, if desired, they may be connected in series. In Fig. 2 thearmature is fitted W1 th a suitable retractipg-spri ng, o, whi ch gheny and is of suliicicnt power to unseat the stopper against the pressure of the blast. In the main circuit of the generator m is a circuit-closer, q, by means of which the circuit is opened and closed to the magnets. A port, 7c", Fig. 2, communicating with the air-chamber i and the tuyerc, extends through thc stem and stopper,to admit a minute jet of air to the tuyeres when the stopper is closed, to prevent the molten metal from chilling in the tuycre.

Thus constructed, the operation, briefly stated, is as follows, viz: Vhen it is desired to close the tuyerc, the circuit is closed to the magnet. The passage of the current through the magnet-coils magnetizes its core, which attracts the armature Z', and thereby seats the stopper. the magnet and holds the stopper to its seat until the circuit is opened, when the spi ing o' will close the stopper tightly to its seat. The Stoppers, being all provided with magnets having the same connections, will be operated simultaneously by moving the circuit-closer q, which, being provided with an adjustable resistance, q, serves also to regulate the amount of current passing over the wires.

In Fig. l I show a piston, r, instead of the retracting-spring. The air-chamberi is made of uniform diameter back of the blast-pipe c, l and the piston fr is mounted on the stem 7c. 1An exhaust-port, r', is provided. Vhen the blast is admitted to the box i, it acts on the piston, and as the latter is of greater area than the back of the stopper it is forced back by the blast, and the tuyere opened.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the magnet may be applied to opening instead of closing the stoppers; also that a helix and movable core may be substituted for the elcctremagnet; also that the electro-magnet or helix may not encircle the stopperstem, but be arranged at the side, and its armature or core be connected with the stem. Other modifications or changes of position can be made, as will be understood.

I do not limit myself to the use of external Stoppers, as it is apparent that I can operate internal Stoppers as well; nor do I limit myself to reciprocating Stoppers, because it is apparent that by connecting a radial armature or core to the stem the latter may be given a radial movement to operate a stopper sliding The current continues to pass over,

or turning laterally over the mouth of the tuyere.

My improvement is eliicient, cheap, not liable to get out of order, and reduces the number of appliances on the exterior of the converter, and simplifies its construction.

I am aware that the valves in gas lighting and extinguishing apparatus have been operated by` electro-magnets and helices; and I do not claim7 broadly, the devices by which the Stoppers in my application are operated. It is of great importance in the use of converters that the bulk7 number, and arrangements of parts used for suoli purposes as actuating the tuyere-stoppers be as small, few, and simple as possible. rlhis desideratum is pre-eminently obtained in my improvement, where the operating devices have no moving parts,except the stem of the stopper, which in all cases must have an axial movement. rlhe electric wire is easily applied, occupies but little room, is not in the way, and il' secan easily be moved, and does not require frequent attention and repairs, so that the proper operation of the converter is not interfered with.

What I claim is- 1. The combination of a converter or cupolafurnace provided with tuyeres,with the tuyere- Stoppers and their stems or shafts and an electro-magnet or helix for closing or opening the Stoppers, substantially as and for the purposes described.

2. The combination of a converter or cupolafurnaee provided with tuyeres and external blast-chambers, with the tuyere-stoppers and their stems or shafts, an electro -magnet or helix for n'xoving the Stoppers in one direction, and devices for moving them in the other direction, substantially as and for the purposes described.

In testimony whereof Ihave hereunto set my hand this 113th day of January, A. D. 1884.

HENRY NV. OLIVER, J R.

\Vitnesses:

Rom. GARLAND, Tnotms B. KERR. 

